JS 'Black Baron' Twin Fin Surfboard Review by Noel Salas Ep.92

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In this episode I put the JS “Black Baron” Twin Fin through the paces in 1-4’ surf. The folks at JS send me two stock boards (5’3” & 5’4”) in their Fusion EPS construction.

To my surprise the 5’4” at 26.3 liters felt big for me. On most of the waves I caught my turns felt long and drawn out with the board bogging in the nose area. The more I surfed it the better it felt but at the end of the first session in perfect 2-4’ surf I knew it was too big.

The 5’3” at 25 liters on the other hand was extremely responsive and surfed like the performance Twin Fin that I was hoping for. I noticed the board having more get up and go speed from the take off and quicker from turn to turn. The nose was free from bogging due to it being 1”shorter with less volume. This board is a GREAT paddler and has good glide so don’t let the lower liters scare you off to buying it bigger and getting less performance.

The Black Baron is a Favorite of mine for 2019 and I highly recommend it for intermediate – pro level surfers. Sizing for this model is crucial to maximize performance in 1-4’ surf. I suggest going with the same liters as your High Performance Short Board (HPSB) if you want true performance in a Twin Fin.

Board Sizes:
Stock 5’4” x 19 5/8 x 2 ¼ Liters 26.3
Stock 5’3” x 19 ½ x 2 3/16 Liters 25

My Height: 5’9”
My Weight: 160 lb or 72.57 kg

Recommended Fins:
Futures: Al Merrick Keels (AMK)
Futures: EN Fins
FCSII: Power Twins

[andrewenglishsc]

Wanted to drop a quick comment for people considering this board. I'm 6'3, 175-180, competent surfer (cutbacks, snaps, learning airs). I ordered the 5'8 31.7L board and love it, HOWEVER just like Noel said in his review, I think I'm on too much board. I catch a rail every now and then on a cutback, and I *really* have issues with catching a rail generating speed, specifically frontside where the heel side rail drags into the wave and stops the board exactly like at 13:17. Even though I saw this review before I bought the board, I sized this board up about a liter above what I normally ride thinking 1) I'm not a pro at surfing 2) it'll be ridden in smaller surf... well I should've listened to this review lol. Still love the board and I'm having tons of fun on it, but I'm considering ordering another at the right size so I can surf it unencumbered. I should probably be on the 5'6 29L or 5'7 30.4L. Never knew how much of a difference that could make! If this helped you vote it up so other people don't make the same mistake!

[hanaleiboy]

Aloha Noel, how would you compare the baron to the seaside as a twin? Mahalo bruddah...as always, awesome review!

[michaelgiuffre]

Great work mate. How does it compare to the astropop? Which do you prefer?

[Felix-mrvs]

Surprised you have this listed as a fave. Looked decent under your feet, especially for a twin, but not off the charts. Maybe it just didn't come across as well on the footage.
From the technical side one of your best reviews in my opinion, loved how you described all the details!!!

[kalebmannigel]

when noel says to get a drink. you get your fookin drink

[tbaart]

Any boards with this outline but the option of a stabilizer?

[MaxTheSurfGod]

Great review, be interested to see what you think of the Lost MR Cali Twin.

[samueldoeslife]

Hey Noel, revisiting this review - Black Baron or Seaside? I need a small wave board to complement my MonstaBox for better days. Excellent reviews btw. Still the best anywhere.

[adam_hr]

You could win a CT event on that board. You were killing it on that 5’3”.

[zenfiretrading]

Woah those comparisons with the 5'4 and 5'3 and the 5'4 nose catching and bogging were boggling hahah. I'm 5"11 145lbs and riding a 5"9 30L HS Untitled. I love the fact I can literally have a smile on my face catching knee high waves in florida and getting some pumps in haha. But I think its time to start dialing in a correct size board for when the surf turns on here. It was head high yesterday and got some fun progressive waves for me, but I gotta see what a dialed in size board feels like. A board thats sinking the correct depth in the water. I just always figured a board that is sinking more due to less volume would be slower.

[ArdyAryan]

Solid review Noel! 🤙, I've been so curious about this board, I ended up getting the Psycho Nitro which is kind of similar to Black Barron except for its not a fish. Thanks a lot for using the stand again .

[robgiles]

Hi Noel, another great review thanks. How would this board go as a groveler in smaller weaker waves? Cheers

[jaysonwebsther]

Great review Sir Noel, how can you compare this JS black barron to CI Ultra Joe, for a 2-3feet groveller wave?

[monkeysurfer]

Could you do a review on the Pyzel Super Grom? I’ve been thinking of getting it but just want some more knowledge and another opinion on the board.

[johnvallesteros]

Noel I'm going to put you on the spot....it is a foot overhead at your favorite break (6 to 7 foot faces), perfect and peeling, what surfboard do you grab? Seaside, Black Baron, Astro Pop, Lost Retro Twin, Akila Aipa Fish?

[izandevainmyheart]

I searched to if you’ve reviewed the Red Barron yet

Do you plan to try the RB anytime ?

[teamcamaleon]

Hi Noel would you recomend your keel fins for this board? I guess the answer is yes but wich is the main difference i will feel compare to the fcs power fins?

[izandevainmyheart]

Hi Noel. Sorry if you've answered this already Barron or Fish beard for summer in SD?
I'm riding a Neckbeard 2 that has been awesome during the past few swells so I'm looking at the Fishbeard.

[josesnowsneves]

Noel, one question. You recommend this board on the low volume side. What about if I really want this board for the small size surf (1 to 3 foot...after that I have my NB2)...should I keep my NB2 volume or should I go up 2 Liters ? thanks

[joelschmidt]

Thanks Noel great review! On the 5'4 where you had too much volume, how did that affect your surfing? would you say it reduced your ability to control the board which is why you were catching the rail etc?